Ken Hirata

Ken has more than 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry as a communications professional. Ken worked at Eli Lilly Japan K.K. (ELJ) for 10 years as manager in Corporate Affairs, where he was responsible for product, corporate, advocacy and crisis/risk management communications, as well as other external-related communications. During his time at ELJ, he handled several key product launches including drugs for cancer, schizophrenia, osteoporosis and diabetes. In addition to overseeing product recall and consumer education communications, Ken also managed negotiations with national government officers to implement clinical trials with school children in cooperation with advocacy groups.

Ken has 10 years experience at The Japan Upjohn Limited and Pharmacia & Upjohn Company as Acting Director of Corporate Communications, where he was responsible for Product Marketing Support, Corporate Communications/Corporate Identity and Product Defense/Crisis Management.

Over the years, Ken has established relationships with key healthcare journalists including those at national newspapers: the Asahi, Yomiuri, Mainichi, Sankei and Nikkei newspapers. Further, he has developed solid relationships with government and key medical opinion leaders and with patient and advocacy group representatives.